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Healthcare
Access to medical care in France is based on the social security system. Here you can find information on health insurance, doctors, hospitals, medicines and emergencies.
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The most useful guides and tools for this section.
Pregnancy and birth : CPAM, Caf, town hall and PMI
Medical follow-up and administrative procedures are proceeding in parallel. Pregnancy is usually declared to Sickness Insurance and Caf before the end of the 14th week, then a birth in France must in principle be declared to the town hall of the place of birth in the 5 days. Then attach the child to Sickness Insurance, inform Caf and mutual and check leave and allowances according to your status.
MDPH: File a file and request disability-related rights
The MDPH is the departmental desk responsible for receiving the file and assessing the needs of a person with a disability; the CDAPH decides on the rights and guidelines. The same application may apply, depending on the situation, to the AAH, the PCH, the IJC, the RQTH, the EEAH, a school PPS or an orientation, but each measure has its own conditions.
Sickness Insurance: Open its CPAM rights and get the Vitale Card
Universal health protection (PUMa) opens up individual rights to people who work in or reside in France on a stable and regular basis. The first affiliation depends on the status: the general case passes through the CPAM with form S1106, while foreign students use a dedicated portal. The Vital Card is ordered after affiliation and definitive identification; the period varies according to the file.
Free access to health care: where to start
If you feel that your health care needs to be done, you don't need to pay an intermediary. France Services, CPAM and CCAS can help you free of charge. And if your income is modest, complementary health solidarity (CSS) can reduce what you have to pay. Here's where to start, no jargon.
Mutual (additional health): supplementary insurance
The mutual (health supplement) covers leftovers after the CPAM: moderator ticket, fee overruns, optics, dental, hospitalization. For employees, it is compulsory and partly financed by the employer (mutual enterprise). For others, she's private. The CSS (Additional Solidary Health) is a free mutual fund for low-income people. Here's how to choose and essential.
How to choose your regular doctor (médecin traitant)
The attending doctor is the doctor who follows your current care in France. You report it to the CPAM to stay on the care path and avoid a decrease in reimbursement when you consult certain specialists. Here's how to choose one, what to say to the appointment and how to change it if needed.
Medical emergency: call 15, 112 or use 114
For a medical emergency, call the 15 (SAMU/SAS); for any immediate danger, the 112 can point to the right service. These numbers are free of charge and available 24h/24. The 114 is intended for deaf, deaf, hearing impaired or aphasic people and works by application, internet, video, chat, images or SMS. For a quick but non-vital need, the 15 can also orient via the Care Access Service.
Pharmacies and prescriptions: how to collect your medicines
In France, prescription drugs are recovered in the pharmacy, and part of the price can be refunded by the CPAM if you show the Vital Card. Generics have the same active substance but are cheaper. This is how it goes, what "paying third party" means, and why you are often offered the credits.
Dentist and optical: mastering costs
With the 100% Sante device, some dental care and optical equipment can be left unloaded. Reimbursement combines sickness and mutual insurance. Asking for a size estimate before any engagement is essential.
Hospitalization: preparing folder, costs and exit
Before hospitalisation, the care of sickness insurance and mutual insurance must be checked. The daily package and some options may remain at your expense. Administrative preparation upstream facilitates admission and exit.
This section helps you if you...
- All Residents in Need of Health Insurance (CPAM)
- Those looking for a doctor or specialist
- Any person in need of emergency assistance
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ALD: Long-term disorder (100% reimbursement)
LALD (Long Term Infection) is a status for chronic diseases requiring long-term treatment (diabetes, cancer, HIV, sclerosis, severe asthma, etc.). In ALD, the CPAM pays 100% of the costs related to the disease (care, medicines, exams), without a moderator's ticket — therefore free for the patient. Here's how to get it and what's essential.
Open GuideChildren's vaccination: 11 mandatory vaccines
In France from 2018, for admission to crèche/school/community, 11 vaccines are compulsory (for children born after 2018): DTP, pertussis, BCG (risk areas), hepatitis B, Hib, pneumococcal, meningococcal C, measles-rubella-mould (RRO). Without them — no community admission. Refunded by the CPAM. Here's the schedule and the essentials.
Open GuideCMU-C: old name, now CSS
The CMU-C (Complementary Universal Sickness Coverage) was a free health supplement for low-income people. Since 1 November 2019, it has been replaced by the CSS (Supplementary Solidary Health), which merges the former CMU-C and ACS. If your documents mention the CMU-C, it is now the CSS. Here's the essentials and how to drop off.
Open GuideComplementary Solidarity Health (CSS)
The Solidarity Health Supplement (CSS) replaces the former CMU-C and ACS. If your income is modest, the CSS supports a mutual — often free of charge or with low participation. It reduces the remaining burden in the physician, dentist and optician.
Open GuideCSS: Free health supplement (Supplementary Solidary Health)
The CSS (Supplementary Solidary Health) is a free health supplement (or almost) for people with low incomes. It covers what the CPAM does not refund: the moderator ticket, packages, optics, dental. It replaced CMU-C and ACS in 2019. Here's who it is open to, how to file and the deadline.
Open GuideCSS: Renewal of the Solidarity Health Supplement
The CSS lasts 1 year; to renew it, you must file a 2 application months before the deadline. The conditions are the same (low income, residence in France). Without renewal — breakdown of coverage. Since 2024, renewal is simplified via self-reporting of income on ameli. Here's how to renew and essential.
Open GuideEmergencies hospital: the emergency department
Emergencies (hospital emergencies) are the hospital service for acute conditions: trauma, chest pain, respiratory disorders, bleeding. In case of life danger, call the 15 (SAMU) or the 112, which directs. You yourself — only for a real emergency, otherwise better be a doctor/SOS Doctors. Here's when to get there and the essentials.
Open GuideFree access to health care: where to start
If you feel that your health care needs to be done, you don't need to pay an intermediary. France Services, CPAM and CCAS can help you free of charge. And if your income is modest, complementary health solidarity (CSS) can reduce what you have to pay. Here's where to start, no jargon.
Open GuideHow to choose your regular doctor (médecin traitant)
The attending doctor is the doctor who follows your current care in France. You report it to the CPAM to stay on the care path and avoid a decrease in reimbursement when you consult certain specialists. Here's how to choose one, what to say to the appointment and how to change it if needed.
Open GuideIVG (voluntary termination of pregnancy): access and rights
The abortion is the medical interruption of a pregnancy at the request of the woman, legal in France until the 14th week (since 2022). Since 2024, IVG has been enshrined in the Constitution (women's freedom). The procedure is free and anonymous (even for minors, with the consent of a parent or doctor). Here's how to access it and what's essential.
Open GuideMedical emergency: call 15, 112 or use 114
For a medical emergency, call the 15 (SAMU/SAS); for any immediate danger, the 112 can point to the right service. These numbers are free of charge and available 24h/24. The 114 is intended for deaf, deaf, hearing impaired or aphasic people and works by application, internet, video, chat, images or SMS. For a quick but non-vital need, the 15 can also orient via the Care Access Service.
Open GuideMental health and CMP: psychological assistance
The CMP (Centre Médico-Psychologie) is a free public mental health centre, with psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses. He receives all, including without medical guidance. For mild disorders — psychologist via doctor (reimbursed from 2022 on 8 sessions); for heavy disorders — CMP. In crisis — listening lines and emergencies. Here's where you talk and the essentials.
Open GuideMutual (additional health): supplementary insurance
The mutual (health supplement) covers leftovers after the CPAM: moderator ticket, fee overruns, optics, dental, hospitalization. For employees, it is compulsory and partly financed by the employer (mutual enterprise). For others, she's private. The CSS (Additional Solidary Health) is a free mutual fund for low-income people. Here's how to choose and essential.
Open GuideSickness Insurance: Open its CPAM rights and get the Vitale Card
Universal health protection (PUMa) opens up individual rights to people who work in or reside in France on a stable and regular basis. The first affiliation depends on the status: the general case passes through the CPAM with form S1106, while foreign students use a dedicated portal. The Vital Card is ordered after affiliation and definitive identification; the period varies according to the file.
Open GuideSickness stoppage: stoppage of work and daily allowances
Sickness work stoppage is prescribed by a doctor when you cannot work for health reasons. During the stoppage, the CPAM pays daily allowances (IJSS) and the employer retains the position. The procedure is simple, but deadlines and notifications must be respected. Here's how to formalize, what's paid and your rights.
Open GuideSocial security number: how to obtain and what it means
The Social Security number (NSS, or INSEE number) is a unique identifier to 15 digits that opens access to care (CPAM) and social rights (CAF, retirement). The French receive it at birth, foreigners at the opening of the rights CPAM. Here is how to get it and where to use it.
Open GuideVaccines (adults): mandatory and recommended vaccines
In France, there are mandatory vaccines (11 for children from 2018) and recommended (for adults, according to age/risk). For adults: DTP (diphtheria-tetanos-poliomyelitis) recalls all 20 years, annual flu for risk groups, VOCID-19, HPV. Vaccines are free of charge or reimbursed by CPAM. This is what is required and where to do it.
Open GuideVital card: request and update
The Vitale card is the Health Insurance Card (CPAM) which allows the teletransmission of refunds to the doctor and the pharmacy. Without it, you can be treated but you will often receive a care sheet to send.
Open GuideNext steps
Useful procedures to continue your process.
Bizone order: for ALD (double order)
The bizone prescription is a special prescription for patients with LDA (Long Term Infection) who have both disease-related care (100% reimbursement) and non-related care (70% standard reimbursement). The prescription is divided into two areas: the upper part — ALD care, the lower part — other care. This allows the pharmacy and the CPAM to calculate the refund correctly. Here's how to use it.
Open GuideGeneric medicines: what it is and the refund
A generic is a medicine with the same active substance as the original (princeps), but less expensive. In France, the CPAM reimburses generics at the same rate, and the refusal of the generic (where it exists) results in a decrease in the refund (reduced rate). Pharmacy substitution is possible (the pharmacist may propose a generic). Here's what's important.
Open GuidePharmacies and prescriptions: how to collect your medicines
In France, prescription drugs are recovered in the pharmacy, and part of the price can be refunded by the CPAM if you show the Vital Card. Generics have the same active substance but are cheaper. This is how it goes, what "paying third party" means, and why you are often offered the credits.
Open GuidePortability of mutual benefit: maintaining mutual benefit after dismissal
The Evin law (portability) allows you to keep your mutual company after a dismissal (licensing, end of CDD, contractual breakdown), up to 9 months for employees receiving compensation. It is a protection against breakage during job search. Here's who it suits, how to activate and essential.
Open Guide100% Optical Health: Free Eyeglasses
100 % Health is a device for obtaining glasses (as well as hearing aids and dental prostheses) for FREE, without any remaining charge. It works with a mutual (CSS or private compliant 100 % Health). By choosing a "100 % Health" model from the official list, you do not pay anything beyond the CPAM + Mutual. This is how it works and what to choose.
Open GuideDentist and optical: mastering costs
With the 100% Sante device, some dental care and optical equipment can be left unloaded. Reimbursement combines sickness and mutual insurance. Asking for a size estimate before any engagement is essential.
Open GuideDentist: sectors 1/2 and how to pay less
Dental surgeons in France are divided into sectors 1 (contracted rates, without exceedances) and sector 2 (authorized fee exceedances). Choose sector 1 reduces your remaining load. Since 100 % Health, some treatments (scaling, filling, basket crowns) are free of charge. Here's how to choose a dentist and what's reimbursed.
Open GuideHospitalization: preparing folder, costs and exit
Before hospitalisation, the care of sickness insurance and mutual insurance must be checked. The daily package and some options may remain at your expense. Administrative preparation upstream facilitates admission and exit.
Open GuideKinesitherapist: massage and rehabilitation
The physiotherapist in France works on prescription from the doctor (for reimbursement CPAM). It treats trauma, post-operative rehabilitation, back pain, respiratory problems. The session is about 25 € sector 1, reimbursed to 60 % by the CPAM (mutual covers the rest). Direct access to the film without a prescription is possible, but without a refund. Here's how to make an appointment and essential.
Open GuideMDPH: File a file and request disability-related rights
The MDPH is the departmental desk responsible for receiving the file and assessing the needs of a person with a disability; the CDAPH decides on the rights and guidelines. The same application may apply, depending on the situation, to the AAH, the PCH, the IJC, the RQTH, the EEAH, a school PPS or an orientation, but each measure has its own conditions.
Open GuideMental health: finding help and knowing where to start
When it's wrong, you don't have to deal with it alone. The simplest is often to start with the attending doctor: it helps you to see the rest without judging yourself. There are also CMPs, which are fully supported by Sickness Insurance, and My shrink support, with sessions at 50 € refunded to 60%. If the situation becomes urgent, call the 3114. In immediate danger, call 15 or 112.
Open GuideOccupational medicine: medical examinations at work
Occupational medicine is the company's service which monitors the health and safety of employees. The occupational doctor carries out mandatory visits (information visit, return visit after a stopover of 30+ days, periodic visit). It is free for the employee and on working time. Here are the visits and your rights.
Open GuideOn-call pharmacy: find out at night, on weekends
If you need medicines on an emergency basis at night, on weekends or on a holiday, on-call pharmacies operate in France, on a rotating basis. You find the nearest one online, by phone or via the displays of the usual pharmacies. A guard surcharge may apply. Here's how to find and what's essential.
Open GuidePregnancy and birth : CPAM, Caf, town hall and PMI
Medical follow-up and administrative procedures are proceeding in parallel. Pregnancy is usually declared to Sickness Insurance and Caf before the end of the 14th week, then a birth in France must in principle be declared to the town hall of the place of birth in the 5 days. Then attach the child to Sickness Insurance, inform Caf and mutual and check leave and allowances according to your status.
Open GuideSpecialist physician: how to consult a specialist
A specialist doctor (cardiologist, dermatologist, gastroenterologist, etc.) is a specialist doctor. For the CPAM refund, you usually need guidance from the attending physician (care path), otherwise the refund is less. See you via Doctolib or live. Here's how to make an appointment, what is refunded and typical cases.
Open GuideTeleconsultation: video consultation with the doctor
Teleconsultation is a medical consultation in video (via Doctolib, Maiia, etc.) with the same rights as in the presentation: prescriptions, work stoppages, reimbursement CPAM. Practical for mild symptoms, prescription renewal, distant patients. Not suitable for emergencies or physical examinations. Here's how to use it and when it suits you.
Open GuideThe pharmacist as a health advisor: what he can do
The pharmacist in France does not only deliver prescription drugs: he also advises on health (minor garlics), vaccines (flu, VOCID), tests (pregnancy, VOCID), followed by treatments. Since 2021, the pharmacist can renew chronic prescriptions and perform certain acts. Convenient for quick review without an appointment. Here's what's available.
Open GuideThird party paying: pay without advance at doctor and pharmacy
The paying third party is a system where you do not pay (or only the rest) for the care: the CPAM and the mutual pay directly the doctor/pharmaceutical. It applies in ALD, maternity, CSS, mutuals with paying third party, for certain patients. Here's how it works and who it is open to.
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Important remark
Medical information is provided for information purposes only and does not replace a professional medical consultation. In case of health problems, consult a doctor. In case of an emergency, call 15 (SAMU) or 112.
